PF Series Bag Filter Vessels
For Pre-Filter and In-Line Filtration

Bag Filtration Systems

The PF Series Bag Filter System is designed to provide large-capacity, heavy duty filtration. These Bag Filter vessels may be used in-line on fuel transfer equipment, fuel dispensing equipment, or to clean fuel or other liquids. We highly recommends the use of these vessels as an accessory to the MTC Series Mobil Fuel Conditioning and Tank Cleaning Systems (MTC) when they are to be used for commercial fuel tank servicing where tanks have not been serviced since initial installation or for at least three years.

When used as a Pre-Filter to the MTC Series Systems, the Pre-Filter process will remove major sludge, fuel tank debris and water from the fuel by trapping extraordinary amounts of sludge, rust, scale, and other contaminants upstream before they access the MTC Mobil Tank Cleaning unit.

Utilizing an PF Series Bag Filter assembly provides a substantial reduction in the cost of consumables during a tank cleaning operation.  Initially, the PF Series Vessel can be used with no filter bag.  A stainless steel basket can remove larger sludge and allow large amounts of water to accumulate in the PF Vessel bottom for draining.  When the worst of the sludge is removed in this manner, then pre-filter bags can be used.  Begin with coarse rated bags (larger than 250 microns) and progress to finer rated bags (between 10 and 150 microns).  These bags are inexpensive compared to fine filtration elements that are typically used in the later phases of the tank cleaning process (See prices for at the Replacement Filtration Bags tab at the bottom of this page).

The Bag Filtration vessel will also capture water from the flow of fuel, and as the fuel continues to the MTC Mobile Tank Cleaning System, the centrifuge on the MTC will remove additional water that may get past the Bag Filtration Vessel.

Having two water removal apparatus in the circulation loop also will allow for longer run times between necessary shut downs for draining water as compared to only having the centrifuge on the MTC Cart or Pallet Mounted unit handling the chore of water removal.

The PF-10 HD and PF-30 HD Pre-Filter assemblies include a hose-kit to connect the Bag Filtration Vessel to the MTC System (see hose kit attached to the PF-10HD pictured). The hose kit consists of a 6-foot clear hose to connect to the MTC Series Mobil Fuel Conditioning and Tank Cleaning cart or pallet, including cam and groove fittings for making the connection and valves on both the inlet and outlet side of the Bag Filtration Vessel.

A drain valve and a vacuum gauge are also included on the PF-10 HD and PF-30 HD vessels that indicate the need to curtail cleaning and change the filter bag. It is advisable to have the ball valves on the inflow and outflow line to stop the fuel in the lines from interfering with the bag change process.

The PF-10 HD and the PF-30 HD, as an option, are available mounted on a heavy-duty aluminum two-wheel cart for ease of mobility and setup (see picture).

The PF-40 HD is a workhorse for cleaning heavily contaminated large fuel tanks where high volume is required to get the job done quickly. While the hose and fittings included with the purchase of the PF-10 HD and PF-30 HD are not included with the PF-40 HD, we can provide hardware and hose that fits your specific application and needs.

The pre-filter vessels use felt or multifilament mesh bag filters to remove heavy particulate and sludge, with available filtration ranging from 800 micron down to 1 micron, and include a perforated, stainless steel strainer basket. The Pre-Filter vessel may be used without a bag, using only the strainer basket, to remove water from the tank bottom before the first fuel circulation phase starts.

The PF Series Bag Filter Systems are a custom designed, powerful addition to your Mobile Fuel Conditioning and Tank Cleaning System. They provide large capacity, heavy-duty prescreening for tank cleaning jobs with extraordinary amounts of sludge, rust scale, and other contaminants to protect the fuel circulation equipment. Take the “Big Pieces” out of the fuel before it gets to your MTC unit, protecting the fuel pump and extending the life of your equipment. Some users incorporated the PF Series into every tank cleaning, however, even those that were cleaned just months before as the filter bags do a great job and reduce the cost of maintaining tanks by reducing the cost of screw-on filter elements on your MTC.

The Pre-filter connects easily to your MTC using cam & grove fittings and includes a 6 foot long clear hose with dust caps & plugs for both ends as shown in the illustration. The assembly package is equipped with a vacuum gauge, shut-off and drain valves, as well as one inlet and one discharge pipe fitting that enables maximum flexibility when configuring system connections. The vacuum gauge monitors restriction and when restriction reaches a certain level, the filter bags need to be changed.

The PF-10 HD is sized for use with the MTC-500 Cart Mounted Mobile System and the PF-30 HD is sized for use with the MTC-1000 LX or MTC 3000 Cart Mounted Mobile Systems.

In addition, the PF-30 HD is an important component on each of the MTC Series HC-50 and MTC HC-90 Pallet Mounted System.

Two PF-40 Bag Filter Vessels act as the Primary Filtration for the MTC HC-150 Pallet Mounted System.

Servicing Bag Filters

Note: Always have an adequate supply of filter elements on hand.

The vacuum gauges on the bag filter vessel show the pressure drop over the filter. 15” Hg vacuum indicates the bag filter element should be replaced.

1. For a “no mess” bag filter change, the bag filter vessel should be pumped empty, or the fuel in the filter should be drained to a lower level.

2. While operating the pump motor at minimum speed, close the inlet ball valve for the bag filter vessel, then open the air purge valve on the top of the bag filter housing to allow air to enter and the fuel to be drawn out of the vessel.

3. The pump will begin to purge the fuel out of the filter vessel as air enters the vent. After a few moments when most of the fuel has been withdrawn from the vessel, turn the MANUAL/OFF/AUTO switch to OFF, and then remove the lid to access the bag filter.

4. Replace bag filter element and make sure it seals tight within the perforated basket. If a hold-down spring is included with the vessel, place the hold-down spring on top of the filter bag to hold it down during operation. For best results bag should be fully extended into the basket.

5. Apply a film of lubricating oil to the lid gasket. Replace O-Ring if worn or damaged.

6. Tighten lid screws evenly (alternating the screws) to ensure air cannot enter the system, and lid is fully seated onto O-Ring gasket.

7. Close the vent valve.

8. Open the bag filter vessel inflow valve and resume pumping operation. Check for leaks and air intrusion.

9. The material collected inside the filter bag can be inspected to better understand the types of contaminants that have been removed from the tank. The material trapped inside the filter can be inspected to better understand the types of contaminants that have been removed from the tank.

Note: Disposal of fuel, associated waste, and filters must be in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and Local rules, laws, standards, and regulations.